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Volkswagen Typ 1 Bubbla 1200 — 1961

Nicely patinated Norrland Beetle with the same owner in Kiruna for 53 years, until the car became a collector's item in 2019. Unrestored original condition, with original paint. Passed vehicle inspection and is inspection-exempt.

Michael Luft
Museums & Collections
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Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
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"Beautiful car in original condition, runs well as it is, but also serves as a great foundation for an original restoration, as it is relatively untouched and undamaged."

COUNTDOWN
CURRENT BID
ENDED
61 000SEK
LOT NUMBER
LOCATION
18408
BOHUS
RESERVE PRICE
Reached
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Michael Luft
Museums & Collections
Send message
Rebecca R Bengtsson
Case manager
Send message

"Beautiful car in original condition, runs well as it is, but also serves as a great foundation for an original restoration, as it is relatively untouched and undamaged."

Description

The previous owner called this car the “Esrange Beetle,” as the owner who had it from 1965 to 2019—53 years in total—lived 40 km east of Kiruna, right by the Esrange Space Center. During those years and up until 2021, the car was driven on salt-free roads in Kiruna, Luleå, and Kalix. This explains why it has avoided serious rust damage. However, the paint—which is the original—is sun-faded and has many stone chips. On the roof, there are scratches indicating that the car was driven with roof racks, most likely carrying skis with loose bindings.

That the car is from northern Sweden is also evident from the engine heater, which warms the oil. Air-cooled engines have always worked well in the cold northern climate, although the interior heating was famously less effective... Nevertheless, the car became a beloved workhorse for the owner who kept it for so many years.

In the summer of 2021, the car was purchased by a VW enthusiast on the west coast of Sweden, who took it to Fahlkes VW workshop in Åmål for a major service and technical check. A new exhaust system, new heat exchangers, and new tires were installed. The car was also taken for inspection and passed for the last time. With that, it is now exempt from further inspections going forward.

The current owner drove the car during the summers of 2022 and 2023 before removing the bumpers and fenders in order to clean the body joints and replace the fender beading. The car was so rust-free that all bolts could be unscrewed without any issues. After sanding the mounting surfaces against the body, they were primed with rust-protective grey primer (visible in the photos). On hidden surfaces, two coats of black hammered-finish paint were applied before the fenders and bumpers were reinstalled. At the bottom front of the rear fenders, near the running boards, small sections of sheet metal were replaced by an automotive body shop.

The spare wheel well in the front and the rear apron under the engine lid are untouched, which is very rare on VW Beetles. The interior has also been well preserved, thanks to custom-fit seat covers that have been on since new. However, the upholstery on the driver's seat backrest is worn and has holes—see photo. This backrest has in recent years been swapped to the passenger seat. The headliner is also in poor condition, but a new one is included for the next owner to install. The floor mats were replaced two years ago.

Technical data

  • Year
    1961/1961 
  • Registration date
    1961-01-01 
  • Mileage
    13377 km 
  • Kw / hp
    25 / 34 
  • Fuel Type
    Petrol 
  • Transmission
    Manual 
  • Interior finish
    Textile 
  • Colour
    Blue 

Condition

  • Mechanical condition:

    The car has started easily and run well, but at the time of photography, the fuel pump suddenly stopped working. This will be repaired before delivery. It was also found that some of the wiring to the front and rear lights was connected incorrectly during reassembly of the fenders. The buyer will need to correct this themselves.

    The odometer reads 13,377 km. Most likely, this means 213,377 km, as the odometer resets after 99,999 km. We estimate that it has turned over twice, considering the wear on the car. The engine has no serial number but has the letter code “D” in the correct location. This indicates it is a factory replacement engine (34 hp), which also supports the 210,000 km estimate, as such engines were typically replaced after around 150,000 km.

  • Interior condition:

    Worn original interior. The floor mats have been replaced. The headliner needs replacement—a new one from VW-Custom is included in a box. The door panels are worn but acceptable.

  • Exterior condition:

    Worn and sun-faded original paint, but no significant rust damage. Unusually nice and attractive patina as a result. Grey rust-protective primer has been applied to cleaned areas. The next owner may choose to touch up these areas with paint in the original color to make them less visually prominent.

  • General condition:

    Exceptionally fine original car with a great history and beautiful patina. Enjoyable as it is (after installing the headliner and checking the lighting wiring), but also an excellent candidate for a high-quality original restoration—no welding or major mechanical work needed.

MOT (tech. insp.)

Fordonsstatus: Avst 2018-12-17
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1961-01-01 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1961-01-01
Senast godkända besiktning: 2017-08-15
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 4

Facts about the model

1961 is a charming model year, featuring the updated 34 hp engine, and it's the last year with the small tail lights and the classic style seats and upholstery.

Location and viewing Information

Location: Bohus

For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:

Michael Luft
+46 708-20 21 13
michael@bilwebauctions.se

Pick up

Collection must take place before: 2025-06-26.

NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.

Auction information

General information about the condition of the vehicles .
  • At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
  • During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
  • Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
  • When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
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  • If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
  • Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
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